While most of us disagree about what exactly we want from a DJ, be it chopped and looped beats, quick mixes that defy genre and convention or long, deep blends that make soup of our brains, one thing we have all experienced is what we don’t want from a DJ.
1. Don’t redline – Most modern mixers make it super easy to tell if your sounds are clipping. No excuses!
2. Know your setup – You can’t always control what set up a club may have, but you can find out and do your research before a gig. Don’t get caught napping!
3. Don’t overuse effects – Effects are great, sure. But if you’re running a slip roll and a high-pass filter while flanging all hell out of your track it sounds, well, terrible.
4. Don’t over-plan – It’s tempting, especially when you’re starting out, to have your whole set mapped out. Sooner or later you will need to learn to improvise though, so why not start right away? Get your head up and be in the room.
5. Don’t be too eager to please – Somewhat counter to the last point, it’s also important to stick to your guns. After all, people have come to listen to your selections. Don’t pander to every request – find your own voice.
